2012 NFL free agency primer: the running backs

This year's NFL scouting combine begins Wednesday, unofficially marking the start of draft speculation season. Before the prospects are poked and prodded, though, staff writer Matt Vensel has taken his first crack at predicting the first round of April's NFL draft. (This mock draft does not account for potential trades.) And remember, these are called "mock" drafts for a reason. Try not to take them too seriously.

Matt Vensel

Ravens running back Ray Rice was scheduled to become a free agent, but the team has placed the franchise tag on him in the hopes of working out a long-term deal with the Pro Bowl back. That’s a bummer for teams looking for an elite running back as Rice would have been the best available runner in this year’s class.

The Ravens lost Ricky Williams, who retired last month, but they like Anthony Allen and Damien Berry, two youngsters they have under contract. If they sign a veteran running back, it will be one from the bargain bin.

Here is a look at five of the top free agent backs on the market and where they could wind up in 2012.

1. Ray Rice: Rice’s agent, Todd France, and the Ravens talked at the NFL scouting combine. They aren’t close to reaching a deal, but both have expressed an interest in working out a long-term deal over the course of the offseason.

2. Arian Foster: Foster is a restricted free agent, which means the cap-strapped Texans can match any offer for Foster in free agency. But they could place the franchise tag on him to make sure he doesn’t go anywhere.

3. Matt Forte: Forte established himself as one of the NFL's top dual-threat backs in his first four seasons in Chicago, averaging more than 1,000 rushing yards and nearly 500 receiving yards per season. The Bears and Forte’s representatives reportedly had conversations in Indianapolis, but like Rice, Forte is in limbo right now.

4. Marshawn Lynch: Lynch was one of the NFL's most productive backs in the second half of the 2011 season and he finished with career highs in rushing yards (1,204) and rushing touchdowns (12). The Seahawks might have to put the tag on Lynch to keep him. But if they don’t, he should have plenty of suitors in free agency.

5. Peyton Hillis: After pounding his way onto the cover of the “Madden NFL 2012” video game, Hillis had a disastrous 2011 season that was clouded by injury and controversy. He is also a candidate for the franchise tag, though it seems unlikely the Browns will tag him. A change of scenery might be best for this bruising back.